FOOD + DRINK
THEY SAY THAT CHRISTMAS IS THE MOST ROMANTIC SEASON OF ALL , AND WITH EVERYONE ’ S FAVOURITE SEASONAL ROM-COMS ON REPEAT PAIRED WITH THE CHANCE TO TAKE SNOWY WALKS UNDER FESTIVE LIGHTS AND OUR PENCHANT FOR THOUGHTFUL GIFT-GIVING , IT ’ S EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HOLIDAY CAN FEEL STRAIGHT OUT OF A FAIRYTALE . A TIME WHERE EVERYTHING IS JUST THAT LITTLE BIT MORE MAGICAL , CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON TO BE CELEBRATED WITH LOVED ONES .
Luckily , there ’ s no better time than Christmas to head out on a date , with seasonal activities cropping up all across the county such as ice skating , festive baking classes , Christmas light tours and holiday film screenings . Best of all is Kent ’ s array of dining experiences , from gastropubs to candle-lit restaurants where couples can unwind and enjoy the very best of their favourite festive dishes . For those looking to feel the love this Christmas , here are insideKENT ’ s top spots for date night dining this season .
Bowleys at The Plough , Trottiscliffe theploughkent . com
On a quiet lane in a quintessentially English village now sits Bowleys at The Plough , a community-owned , family-run restaurant . After the Trottiscliffe community rallied to buy and refurbish this local pub in 2020 , the Yates family transformed the venue into an inviting space with a 22-cover restaurant that serves exquisite , Michelin-standard dishes . Bowleys prides itself on creating a unique dining experience for their guests , with fresh ingredients grown by their team as well as local farmers . With à la carte , set lunch and tasting menus to choose from , there ’ s sure to be an array of delicious food defined by seasonal ingredients that will make a date night just that little bit more special this December .
Bowleys at The Plough has a number of upcoming events this season including ‘ Fine Wine and Canapés ’ and ‘ Beef Wellington and Red Wine for Two ’ evenings . For couples looking for the most unique date night experience , details of these festive events can be found on their website .
The Ferry House Inn , Sheerness theferryhouse . co . uk
A 16th-century retreat nestled beside the breathtaking Swale estuary , The Ferry
House Inn began as a family farm in 2000 , driven by the belief that locally grown produce is always best when it comes to curating delicious meals . Awarded two AA Rosettes last year , The Ferry House Inn has remained dedicated to its ethos of serving customers from plot to plate , field to fork and grain to glass . With menus showcasing family-farmed beef , free-range game birds and the fruits , vegetables and herbs grown in their extensive kitchen gardens , dishes at this restaurant are made with only the finest Kentish products .
With ultra-seasonal menus , couples will be introduced to exciting and creative dishes presented with unpretentious flair , including small plates such as devilled Kentish livers and larger plates of Isle of Harty beef or pork chop katsu to share . This winter , guests can also enjoy two complimentary cocktails or mocktails when dining at The Ferry House Inn Monday - Friday by quoting ‘ CHILLANDCHEERS ’ to their server - a winter wellness special that visitors must remember this season !
The Pig & Sty , Ashford elitepubs . com
A Grade II listed public house in the Kentish countryside , The Pig & Sty is home to a cosy bar , heated outdoor terrace , garden area and indoor restaurant . Serving up seasonal set menus , afternoon teas and mouthwatering buffets , The Pig & Sty prides itself on sourcing 85 % of their ingredients from within a 25-mile radius of their location . With Christmas being the perfect excuse to treat your loved one to a hearty meal out , guests will find a festive menu filled with winterspiced dishes such as maple and cinnamon roasted pumpkin soup , Romney Marsh lamb rump and traditional Christmas pudding with delicious brandy sauce .
The Pig & Sty also offers plenty of private dining experiences , with their brand-new
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